Is 1040 a Good SAT Score? Colleges That Accept a 1040 SAT

While a 1040 SAT score is slightly below average, there are still plenty of high-quality options. Take a look at 10 of the best schools for students who scored a 1040.

The SAT test measures a student's math, reading, and writing skills. A <a href="https://learn.org/articles/what_is_a_good_sat_score.html">good SAT score</a> was long considered a gold star on your application. But these days, many schools no longer require standardized test scores, meaning there are many ways to get the attention of a college admissions office. So, is 1040 a good SAT score? It's actually just below average, which can make it more challenging to gain admission to more selective colleges. Still, applicants can be confident knowing there are many high-quality colleges that accept a 1040 SAT score. <h2 id="section---Is1040AGoodSATScore">Is 1040 a Good SAT Score?</h2> The national average score is 1059, which means 1040 is just below average. However, it's important to remember that one test score does not give a complete picture of your academic achievement. Some test-takers may know all the answers but still experience testing anxiety. If you're still in high school, take advantage of other opportunities to stand out on a college application — sign up for extracurricular activities, participate in community service, and work on improving your overall grade point average (GPA). You can still stand out in your application, even without a good score on the SAT. <h2 id="section---HowIsTheSATScored">How Is the SAT Scored?</h2> The SAT exam includes two sections: a reading and writing section and a math section. The reading and writing section is 32 minutes long, and the math section is 35 minutes. Your score is the total of how many points you got in each section. The SAT score range is 400 to 1600 — a 400 is the lowest available score and a 1600 is the highest score. If you're nervous about the exam, taking practice tests and signing up for SAT prep classes can help you feel more confident and prepared. <h3 id="section---WhatPercentileIs1040OnTheSAT">What Percentile Is 1040 on the SAT?</h3> A 1040 puts you in the 47th percentile, just below the national average. That means that you scored better than 47% of test takers. Most schools will post the SAT percentiles of accepted students, and you'll generally see two sets of numbers: the 25th percentile and 75th percentile. If your SAT score is at or higher than the 75th percentile, then you have a higher chance of being accepted. <h2 id="section---WillCollegesAcceptA1040SATScore">Will Colleges Accept a 1040 SAT Score?</h2> There are many good colleges that will accept a 1040 SAT score — especially if the student has a good GPA, took advanced placement (AP) or international baccalaureate (IB) classes, and participated in extracurriculars. However, with a 1040 score, certain private colleges and more selective schools may be harder to get into. Most Ivy League schools are completely out of reach; but that doesn't mean you can't get accepted to your dream school. <h2 id="section---ShouldIRetakeTheSATIfIGotA1040">Should I Retake the SAT if I Got a 1040?</h2> You should retake the test if all your target schools require a higher score than 1040. Even if a school is test-optional, they still want to see evidence of academic achievement. So, if you choose not to retake the test, really focus on how you can build up the rest of your application. Many students apply to more than one school, keeping a few as safety schools that they are more likely to get into. Below are several high-quality schools that accept students with a 1040. <h2 id="section---CollegesThatAcceptA1040OnTheSAT">Colleges That Accept a 1040 on the SAT</h2> There are many excellent options for students with a 1040 SAT. Take a look at some of the schools below and what they require as part of their admissions process. <h3 id="section---1.WashingtonStateUniversity">1. Washington State University</h3> Applicants to Washington State University (WSU) must have a minimum 2.0 GPA and have completed the required prerequisite high school credits. While standardized test scores are not required, admitted students usually scored between 1010 and 1280. The school has an 85% acceptance rate, which makes this a great option for students with a 1040. Finally, WSU offers over 200 academic programs and provides support for first-generation college students. SAT requirements: Test optional Average in-state tuition: $6,943 per year Average out-of-state tuition: $15,496 per year Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) <h3 id="section---2.CaliforniaStateUniversityLongBeach">2. California State University Long Beach</h3> Residents applying to California State University Long Beach (CSULB) must have a GPA of at least 2.5 and non-residents should have at least a 3.0. SAT and ACT scores are not considered by admissions; however all students will be considered based on their CSULB Index score. This is calculated by considering the student's cumulative GPA, math GPA, and English GPA. Admitted students may submit SAT scores for consideration in certain programs. SAT requirements: Test optional Average in-state tuition: $3,689 per semester Average out-of-state tuition: $8,729 per semester Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) <h3 id="section---3.SanFranciscoStateUniversity">3. San Francisco State University</h3> San Francisco State offers bachelor's programs in 82 different subjects with over 40 concentrations. It is also test-optional, but most admitted students scored between 940 and 1130. Residents should have a minimum GPA of 2.5, although those with a GPA between 2.0 and 2.49 will still be considered. Non-residents should have a GPA of at least 3.0. There is a $70 application fee. SAT requirements: Test optional Average in-state tuition: $4,154 per semester Average out-of-state tuition: $444 per credit hour plus fees Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) <h3 id="section---4.BoiseStateUniversity">4. Boise State University</h3> Boise State offers almost 200 bachelor's degree programs and over 200 student clubs. Idaho residents who graduated from an accredited state high school with a GPA between 3.0 and 4.0 will be automatically admitted once they fill out an application and submit transcripts. Students with a GPA of 2.79 to 2.6 will need to submit a high school seventh-semester transcript and submit an essay response. SAT requirements: Test optional Average in-state tuition: $10,104 per year Average out-of-state tuition: $28,608 per year Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) <h3 id="section---5.WestVirginiaStateUniversity">5. West Virginia State University</h3> West Virginia State (WVSU) requires applicants to include both their high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores, but their minimum score is 870, making this a solid choice for students with a 1040. Applicants also need a 2.0 cumulative GPA, a $20 application fee, and to submit immunization records. WVSU offers 23 undergraduate degree programs, with options in business, science, art, education, and more. SAT requirements: 870 Average in-state tuition: $9,570 per year Average out-of-state tuition: $14,990 per year Accreditation: HLC <h3 id="section---6.UniversityOfHawaiiAtManoa">6. University of Hawaii at Manoa</h3> This tropical university offers 99 different undergraduate degree programs, from anthropology to theater. SAT scores are not required, and lower scores will not impact the application process. Most students scored between 1130 and 1350, so a higher GPA will make you stand out. Prospective freshman must fill out an application, submit their transcripts, and pay the $70 application fee. SAT requirements: Test optional Average in-state tuition: $11,520 per year Average out-of-state tuition: $33,552 per year Accreditation: WSCUC <h3 id="section---7.UniversityOfNorthTexas">7. University of North Texas</h3> North Texas does not require SAT scores, but it does offer a couple of options for guaranteed admission. Seniors in the top 10% of their high school graduating class only need to fill out an application; juniors at participating schools in the top 20% of their class can also be guaranteed admission under the Eagle Advantage program. Finally, students with an unweighted GPA over 3.0 will be guaranteed admission. While test scores are optional, most students scored between 990 and 1220. SAT requirements: Test optional Average in-state tuition: $12,092 per year Average out-of-state tuition: $24,242 per year Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) <h3 id="section---8.TexasStateUniversity">8. Texas State University</h3> Texas State requires prospective students to submit their SAT or ACT scores; however, students in the top 75% of their graduating class are exempt from submitting scores. All other students should submit an application, admissions essay, and transcripts. Texas State offers over 200 undergraduate degree options, including advertising, aquatic biology, and interior design, among many others. SAT requirements: 990 Average in-state tuition: $12,220 per year Average out-of-state tuition: $24,520 per year Accreditation: SACSCOC <h3 id="section---9.GeorgiaStateUniversity">9. Georgia State University</h3> Georgia State is currently test optional for students with a GPA over 3.4, but starting in the Fall of 2026, it will begin requiring all students submit test scores. Currently, most students scored between 990 and 1180, but 920 is the minimum accepted score. Admitted freshmen can choose from over 130 majors and minors, including political science, education, and ceramics. To apply, fill out the common application, submit transcripts, an optional letter of recommendation, a $60 fee, and test scores if applicable. SAT requirements: 920 Average in-state tuition: $12,500 per year Average out-of-state tuition: $32,720 per year Accreditation: SACSCOC <h3 id="section---10.FloridaAtlanticUniversity">10. Florida Atlantic University</h3> By law, all Florida public universities must require students to submit their official SAT or ACT scores. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1090 and 1280 on the SAT — making this a bit more of a reach school for those with a 1040, but not impossible. Florida Atlantic also does not require any essays or letters of recommendation. With over 170 undergraduate degree options, there is something for everyone. SAT requirements: 1060 Average in-state tuition: $203.29 per credit hour Average out-of-state tuition: $721.84 per credit hour Accreditation: SACSCOC <h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2> Choosing the right school is a big decision, no matter what your test results say. But we carefully created our list by keeping a few key points in mind. <ul><li>Accreditation: Every school on our list is fully accredited, which means it is regularly checked to ensure it is following educational guidelines. All students can get a top-notch education at these schools. </li><li>Admissions requirements: Most of our schools are test-optional, which can give students with lower SAT scores more peace and more ways to stand out. Bulking up your GPA, taking college prep courses, and participating in extracurriculars are all great ways to improve your application. </li><li>Affordability: We only included affordable schools on our list, and all of them offer financial aid options to help lower costs even further. A degree opens up many great career options, but these schools help you start that career with less debt. </li></ul><h2 id="section---ExploreOnlineDegreePrograms">Explore Online Degree Programs</h2> With a less-than-ideal SAT score, you may be worried that you'll have fewer good options for target schools. However, there are plenty of high-quality, accredited schools for students with a 1040. More schools are featured on Learn.org. Reach out to one to discuss your plans today.

Is 1040 a Good SAT Score? Colleges That Accept a 1040 SAT

You might also like...